With Sevilla as the backdrop to my semester, I have met several amazing and often unique people. The following are the most memorable.
My host mom (Senora) Mercedes is always amusing. We teach her English words, some appropriate, others not so much. She is always making jokes and is a far better Senora than I ever could have asked for. When I was sick with the flu and strep in February, she would come into my room to check on me. She made me freshly squeezed orange juice and even checked my temperature. She is so sweet! Needless to say, after having had exchange students for the past 22 years, she is a pro. Mercedes has two daughters, Susana and Ana Laura. Susana is married and has two children. She lives in a pueblo outside of Sevilla. Ana Laura on the other hand is 22 years old, which yes, if you do the math, means that she has grown up living with study abroad students. I feel like this would be an extremely interesting and unique way in which to be raised.
International Marketing is by far my favorite class. My professor, nicknamed Nano, is hilarious. His family owns olive farms, which he manages. He grew up going to boarding schools, and completed his undergrad and graduate studies at Michigan State University, so he is fully aware of the American lifestyle. His commentary on American society and politics is always interesting to me. (On a side note, I am really enjoying hearing what Spaniards have to say about our American way of life and our politics. It's a fresh take on something to which I think we often become numb.) Nano tells hilarious stories. He also has wonderful connections, one of which is with someone who works for Cruzcampo. I am one of forty lucky people who will be going on the Cruzcampo Factory Tour in April. The verdict on this profe -- a big boy in a little boy's body. He's probably in his mid 40's and has a live-in girlfriend. I know that people aren't as quick to jump into marriage in Spain as in the U.S., since their society is a bit more secular, but assuming she's around the same age as Nano, don't you think this woman is wondering when she's getting a ring on that finger?
Another interesting professor of mine is Jesus. He is currently working on his Ph.D. How do I describe Jesus? If you can imagine the stereotypical Spaniard with somewhat long, wavy hair, then that's Jesus. He said he should be finished completing his doctoral program in about a month. This is exciting news for his American students because he told us he's taking us out for beers to celebrate. I have a classmate who can't wait to shock his mom when his status is, "Getting beers with Jesus!" Jesus is a bit of a smart alec. I can't think of anything he said specifically to back up this statement, but it keeps things interesting. The biggest problem with his class is that 50% of the time I cannot understand his thick accent and I can't read his handwriting. He probably has the worst handwriting out of any teacher I have ever had. This can make learning International Finance very difficult because 1. It is Finance. and 2. It is Finance. As I am reminded by my Spanish professors all the time, Spaniards like to go out and have a good time, so don't be surprised if you see a professor out on the weekend. This statement was certainly made true when I ran into Jesus in Barcelona by La Sagrada Familia. Of all people to see in a huge, metropolitan city, I run into my Finance professor! We both did a double take before I said, "Jesus?" He too was in Barcelona for the day enjoying the sights. I will make sure to update everyone upon Jesus's successful completion of his Ph.D. :)
I also have a British professor who I don't know quite as much about. He failed to give the first day spiel introducing himself (i.e. talk about his schooling, why he's living in Spain, etc.). So, can you blame me that I'm intrigued? He is my Global Economy professor, and is extremely passionate about what he teaches. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, he teaches from 9 to 9. How he does it, I have no idea. That's a lot of talking. He randomly breaks out in song sometimes. So far, we've heard a few lines of "Highway to Hell" and "Thriller." My mother will appreciate this one. One day, I wore this necklace made with ribbon and beads. He told me it looked like British folk dancers in the North who wear these necklaces and dance with handkerchiefs in their hands. He said everyone thought they were silly, which I took to mean my necklace looked silly. Regardless, I guess Jonathan (or as Vicky and I have nicknamed him, J. Pass) and my mom would both agree that this particular necklace looks odd. My mom says it makes me look like a reindeer. I am going to have to disagree with both of them.
Marco is a five year old boy who lives in the apartment above us. He is adorable. He came over before dinner yesterday and showed me his book of stickers. We watched Bob Esponja. His favorite character is Bob Esponja (Sponge Bob) himself. Marco's parents are divorced, so he splits his time between his mom and dad's apartments in La Macarena. I told Marco that I have a really cute four year old sister back in the States. He gave me a blank stare, haha. I guess he's not into girls yet, which is good, but no worries, Marco. I will be looking you up in sixteen years.
I am so fortunate to have an amazing program. There are 83 other Americans in API Pablo de Olavide. It's so funny how at the end of the night, we all end up at the same place. I have met people from all over the country -- California, Idaho, Maine, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Rhode Island, and a slew of other states that I'm sure I missed. I am certain that I've made lifelong friends. It's going to be hard to leave many of them in two months...
I am already having anxiety about leaving this beautiful country and its equally beautiful people. Not to get too sidetracked, but people say Andalusians are the prettiest people in Spain. This statement has my stamp of approval. Walking on the street, riding the bus or the metro, or just sitting at a cafe are all made more enjoyable by the sheer number of attractive men that I see on a daily basis. This is shallow; I know, but it's true! The next logical step would be to get these men to talk to me versus the creepy ones who usually approach me. I think this is a lost cause however, so instead, I will continue to simply admire their attractiveness from afar. Going back to not wanting to leave, I don't want to leave all the amazing friends I've made here. It will be a sad day when we all have to part ways, but I'm trying to think about it as little as possible.
On a lighter note, tomorrow is the kickoff to the Spring Festival. I'm not exactly sure what this entails, but I guess I will find out. I am also going with my friend Vicky to get my hair cut tomorrow. It will be yet another test of my ability to communicate effectively with Spaniards. I hope it turns out well!
Welcome Spring! We have all missed you greatly. Enjoy the beautiful weather and all the blooming flowers. Un besito!
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